Aerosol delivery device

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device comprising a control device that is connectable with a cartridge and that can include one or more additional elements for improving one or both of visible indications of use to a user and resistance to infiltration of liquid into the control device. More particularly, the control device may include a light guide configured for transmitting to a window from a light source that is off-set from the window and a controller configured to direct a varying level of light from the light source. The control device may include one or more elements that are configured to limit infiltration of liquids into the control device and thus may be consider to be water-resistant or water-proof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/769,296, filed Nov. 19, 2018, which is incorporatedherein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices such assmoking articles, and more particularly to aerosol delivery devices thatmay utilize electrically generated heat for the production of aerosol(e.g., smoking articles commonly referred to as electronic cigarettes).The smoking articles may be configured to heat an aerosol precursor,which may incorporate materials that may be made or derived from tobaccoor otherwise incorporate tobacco, the precursor being capable of formingan inhalable substance for human consumption.

BACKGROUND

Many smoking devices have been proposed through the years asimprovements upon, or alternatives to, smoking products that requirecombusting tobacco for use. Many of those devices purportedly have beendesigned to provide the sensations associated with cigarette, cigar, orpipe smoking, but without delivering considerable quantities ofincomplete combustion and pyrolysis products that result from theburning of tobacco. To this end, there have been proposed numeroussmoking products, flavor generators, and medicinal inhalers that utilizeelectrical energy to vaporize or heat a volatile material, or attempt toprovide the sensations of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking withoutburning tobacco to a significant degree. See, for example, the variousalternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and heatgenerating sources set forth in the background art described in U.S.Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2013/0255702to Griffith Jr. et al., and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2014/0096781 to Sears etal., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Seealso, for example, the various types of smoking articles, aerosoldelivery devices, and electrically powered heat generating sourcesreferenced by brand name and commercial source in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/170,838 to Bless et al., filed Feb. 3, 2014,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It would bedesirable to provide an aerosol delivery device with advantageoususability features.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods offorming such devices, and elements of such devices. In particular, thepresent disclosure relates to various elements and combinations thereofthat are effective to provide one or more a more favorable userexperience of the devices and improved resistance of the devices toliquid infiltration. For example, in some embodiments, the presentdisclosure provides aerosol delivery devices that can provide lightingthat is visible exterior to the device (e.g., through an aperture or aseries of micro-apertures in the device). Likewise, in some embodiments,the present disclosure can provide devices that include one or morefeatures (e.g., sealing members or micro-sized apertures) that canimprove water resistance of the device.

In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure thus can provide anaerosol delivery device comprising: at least one wall defining an outerhousing; a window in the at least one wall, the window extending betweena first end and a second end; a light source positioned within the outerhousing and proximate the window but offset therefrom so as to be beyondone of the first end of the window and the second end of the window, thelight source being connectable to a power source; a light guidepositioned within the outer housing and proximate the window, the lightguide being of sufficient size to substantially fill the window and atleast partially overlap with the light source; and a control componentconfigured to direct power at a variable level from the power source tothe light source such that light emitted from the light source istransmitted through the light guide and fills a quantity of the window,the quantity corresponding to the variable level of power delivered tothe light source. In further embodiments, the aerosol delivery devicecan be defined in relation to one or more of the following statements,which can be combined in any number and order.

The position of the light source and the position of the light guide canbe effective to achieve the light emitted from the light source andtransmitted through the light guide to grow in a direction from one ofthe first end of the window and the second end of the window to theother of the first end of the window and the second end of the window aspower delivered from the power source to the light source increases andto recede in reverse of the direction as power delivered from the powersource to the light source decreases.

The aerosol delivery device further can include a pressure sensorconfigured to detect changes in pressure within the outer housing acrossa continuous pressure intensity range and provide signaling to thecontroller corresponding to the pressure intensity.

The control component can be configured to adjust the variable level ofthe power delivered from the power source to the light source inresponse to the signaling received from the pressure sensor.

The power source and the control component can be configured forconnection with an atomizer.

The control component can be configured to direct power at a variablelevel from the power source to the atomizer in response to the signalingreceived from the pressure sensor.

The aerosol delivery device further can comprise a printed circuit boardpositioned within the outer housing, the light source being positionedon the printed circuit board.

The control component can be positioned on the same printed circuitboard as the light source.

The aerosol delivery device further can comprise a sealing memberpositioned between the light guide and the at least one wall definingthe outer housing.

The sealing member can be integral with the light guide.

The light guide can be formed of a translucent elastomeric material.

The aerosol delivery device further can comprise a liquid-resistivemembrane positioned interior to the outer housing, the liquid-resistivemembrane covering the window in the at least one wall.

The liquid-resistive membrane can be adhered to an interior surface ofthe at least one wall.

In some embodiments, an aerosol delivery device can be providedcomprising: at least one wall defining an outer housing extendingbetween a proximal end and a distal end; an inner frame positionedwithin the outer housing at the proximal end thereof and defining achamber configured for receiving a cartridge; an end cap positioned atthe distal end of the outer housing; and at least one sealing member incontact with the inner frame or the end cap and being configured tosubstantially prevent passage of a liquid around the at least onesealing member. In further embodiments, the aerosol delivery device canbe defined in relation to one or more of the following statements, whichcan be combined in any number and order

The at least one sealing member can comprise an O-ring.

The O-ring can be positioned between the inner frame and the at leastone wall defining the outer housing.

The inner frame can include a groove formed around an outer surfacethereof, and wherein the O-ring is engaging the groove.

The O-ring can be positioned between the end cap and the at least onewall defining the outer housing.

The end cap can include a groove formed around an outer surface thereof,and wherein the O-ring is engaging the groove.

The at least one sealing member can comprise a contact seal configuredto form a seal between the inner frame and one or more electricalconnectors extending through the inner frame.

The at least one sealing member can comprise a pin seal configured toform a seal between the end cap and one or more external connectionelements extending through the end cap.

The at least one sealing member can comprise a sensor seal that issubstantially surrounding a pressure sensor attached to a printedcircuit board.

The sensor seal can include a flexible member that is configured todeform upon application of a pressure differential thereto.

The sensor seal can be configured to define an enclosed volume aroundthe pressure sensor and transfer the pressure differential to thepressure sensor.

In some embodiments, an aerosol delivery device can be providedcomprising: at least one wall defining an outer housing; and a lightsource positioned interior to the housing; wherein at least a portion ofthe at least one wall includes a series of microperforations; andwherein the light source is positioned relative to the series ofmicroperforations such that light from the light source is visiblethrough the series of microperforations. In further embodiments, theaerosol delivery device can be defined in relation to one or more of thefollowing statements, which can be combined in any number and order.

The light source can be off-set from the series of perforations, andwherein the aerosol delivery device further can comprise a light guidepositioned within the outer housing, the light guide being proximate tothe series of microperforations and at least partially overlapping withthe light source.

The at least one wall defining the outer housing can extend between aproximal end and a distal end, and wherein the aerosol delivery devicefurther can comprise: an inner frame positioned within the outer housingat the proximal end thereof and defining a chamber configured forreceiving a cartridge; an end cap positioned at the distal end of theouter housing; and at least one sealing member in contact with the innerframe or the end cap and being configured to substantially preventpassage of a liquid around the at least one sealing member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Having thus described the disclosure in the foregoing general terms,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device, according toexample implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a controldevice illustrating implementation of a light guide proximate to a lightwindow according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C, and FIG. 3D illustrate a growing light effectas light from a light source progressively fills a light windowaccording to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery deviceincluding a control device and a cartridge according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a control device including elements usefulfor providing resistance to liquid infiltration;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a controldevice illustrating implementation of a light guide proximate to a lightwindow according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a controldevice illustrating implementation of a light guide and a sealing memberproximate to a light window according to example embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a controldevice illustrating implementation of a light guide proximate to aportion of a wall of the control device including micro-perforationsaccording to example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a control deviceillustrating implementation of a sensor seal around a pressure sensoraccording to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to example embodiments thereof. These example embodiments aredescribed so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, andwill fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in theart. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure willsatisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification, andin the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As described hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure relateto aerosol delivery devices or vaporization devices, said terms beingused herein interchangeably. Aerosol delivery devices according to thepresent disclosure use electrical energy to vaporize and/or aerosolize amaterial to form an inhalable substance; and components of such deviceshave the form of articles that most preferably are sufficiently compactto be considered hand-held devices. In some embodiments, the presentaerosol delivery devices may be configured to heat a material(preferably without combusting the material to any significant degreeand/or without significant chemical alteration of the material) to formthe inhalable substance. Preferably, use of components of preferredaerosol delivery devices does not result in the production ofsmoke—i.e., from by-products of combustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, butrather, use of those preferred systems results in the production ofvapors resulting from volatilization or vaporization of certaincomponents incorporated therein. In preferred embodiments, components ofaerosol delivery devices may be characterized as electronic cigarettes,and those electronic cigarettes most preferably incorporate tobaccoand/or components derived from tobacco, and hence deliver tobaccoderived components in aerosol form.

Aerosol delivery devices may provide many of the sensations (e.g.,inhalation and exhalation rituals, types of tastes or flavors,organoleptic effects, physical feel, use rituals, visual cues such asthose provided by visible aerosol, and the like) of smoking a cigarette,cigar, or pipe that is employed by lighting and burning tobacco (andhence inhaling tobacco smoke), without any substantial degree ofcombustion of any component thereof. For example, the user of an aerosolgenerating device of the present disclosure can hold and use that piecemuch like a smoker employs a traditional type of smoking article, drawon one end of that piece for inhalation of aerosol produced by thatpiece, take or draw puffs at selected intervals of time, and the like.

Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure also can becharacterized as being vapor-producing articles or medicament deliveryarticles. Thus, such articles or devices can be adapted so as to provideone or more substances (e.g., flavors and/or pharmaceutical activeingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, inhalablesubstances can be substantially in the form of a vapor (i.e., asubstance that is in the gas phase at a temperature lower than itscritical point). Alternatively, inhalable substances can be in the formof an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or liquiddroplets in a gas). For purposes of simplicity, the term “aerosol” asused herein is meant to include vapors, gases, and aerosols of a form ortype suitable for human inhalation, whether or not visible, and whetheror not of a form that might be considered to be smoke-like.

Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure most preferablycomprise some combination of a power source (i.e., an electrical powersource), at least one control component (e.g., means for actuating,controlling, regulating and ceasing power for heat generation, such asby controlling electrical current flow from the power source to othercomponents of the article—e.g., a microcontroller or microprocessor), aheater or heat generation member (e.g., an electrical resistance heatingelement or other component, which alone or in combination with one ormore further elements may be commonly referred to as an “atomizer”), aliquid composition (e.g., commonly an aerosol precursor compositionliquid capable of yielding an aerosol upon application of sufficientheat, such as ingredients commonly referred to as “smoke juice,”“e-liquid” and “e-juice”), and a mouthpiece or mouth region for allowingdraw upon the aerosol delivery device for aerosol inhalation (e.g., adefined airflow path through the article such that aerosol generated canbe withdrawn therefrom upon draw).

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter may be usedin relation to a variety of aerosol and/or vapor producing devices. Thisincludes, but is not limited to devices commonly known as e-cigarettes,heat-not-burn (HNB) devices, carbon tobacco heated products (cTHP), andelectric tobacco heated products (eTHP). Non-limiting examples of suchdevices to which any part or all of the present disclosure may beincorporated are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,839,238, 9,913,493,10,085,485,

More specific formats, configurations and arrangements of componentswithin the aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure will beevident in light of the further disclosure provided hereinafter.Additionally, the selection and arrangement of various aerosol deliverydevice components can be appreciated upon consideration of thecommercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such asthose representative products referenced in the background art sectionof the present disclosure.

An example implementation of an aerosol delivery device 10 of thepresent disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. As illustrated, an aerosoldelivery device 10 can comprise a control device 100 and a removablecartridge 200. As further described elsewhere herein, the control device100 can be adapted to or configured to receive a portion of thecartridge 200, the combination of the cartridge and the control device100 forming a functioning device. The control device 100 may include anaperture 135 (e.g., a cut-out, opening, or notch) to allow for viewingof the cartridge 100 when inserted into the control device; however, thewindow 135 may be expressly excluded. The control device 100 furtherincludes a light window 160 that can be adapted to or configured toprovide exterior viewing of a variable intensity light providedtherethrough. Electronic circuitry present in the aerosol deliverydevice 10 can be configured to control the transmission of lightingthrough the light window 160 to provide one or more effects visible by auser of the device. For example, the lighting can provide feedback to auser for a variable puff draw intensity and corresponding power levelindication. In particular, this can be achieved using one or more lightemitting diode (LED) so as to produce a variable illumination intensitywindow.

In some embodiments, an aerosol delivery device 10 according to thepresent disclosure can be configured substantially as illustrated inFIG. 2, which provides a partial cross sectional view of a portion of acontrol device 100 comprising an outer housing 102 that defined at leastin part by a control device outer wall 104. In the illustratedembodiments, a light window 160 is defined in the outer wall 104 andextends along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of thecontrol device 100 between a first window end 164 and a second windowend 166. The light window 160 of the illustrated embodiment likewiseextends along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thecontrol device 100 between a first side 165 and a second side 167. Thelight window 160 may be essentially a cut-out or aperture present withinthe outer wall 104. More particularly, the light window 160 can comprisea slot, cut out, cut away, or any other method to expose an opening intothe internal components. In some embodiments, however, the light windowmay be at least partially filled or completely filled with a transparentor translucent member 162 (as illustrated in FIG. 2 by the partiallyremoved element shown in dashed lines). The transparent or translucentmember 162 may be formed, for example, of glass, plastic, or similarmaterials. The light window 160 in some embodiments is greater in lengthin the direction between the first end 164 and the second end 166 thanin the direction between the first side 165 and the second side 167. Theratio of the end-to-end length to the side-to-side length can be, forexample, about 1.5 to about 15, about 2 to about 12, or about 3 to about10. In some embodiments, the light window 160 may encompass a definedarea of the control device outer housing 102, and the defined area canbe an area encompassing at least 5 mm², at least 10 mm², or at least 20mm² (such as in the range of about 5 mm² to about 50 mm², about 5 mm² toabout 40 mm², or about 5 mm² to about 25 mm²).

As further seen in FIG. 2, a light source 139 is positioned within theouter housing 102. As illustrated, the light source 139 is positionedproximate to the light window 160. Any element configured for emittinglight may be used as the light source 139 and, in some embodiments, thelight source particularly can be a light emitting diode (LED). Whileonly a single LED or like element may be used, multiple light elementsconfigured for emitting light of the same or different color may beused.

In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 139 is positioned so asto be offset from the light window 160—i.e., it is positioned beyond oneof the first end 164 and the second end 166 of the light window. Whilethe light source 139 is illustrated as being offset so as to be beyondthe second end 166 of the light window 160, it is understood that thelight source may be offset so as to be beyond the first end 164 of thelight window. In either case, the light source 139 of such embodimentsis not positioned within the actual boundaries of the light window 160and, as such, is not positioned so as to be capable of providingsignificant light distribution through the light window. Moreparticularly, offset placement of the light source 139 can be configuredso that the light source is placed in a manner such that the location ofthe light source is not directly pointed at the light window 160.

The offset positioning of the light source 139, however, positions thelight source to provide a varying intensity of light through the lightwindow 160 by use of the light guide 175. More particularly, the lightguide 175 is positioned within the outer housing 102, is positionedproximate to the light window 160, and is of a sufficient size tosubstantially fill the light window and at least partially overlap withthe light source 139. As illustrated, the light guide 175 extends frombeyond the second end 166 of the light window 160 to beyond the firstend 164 of the light window. Preferably, the light guide 175 issimilarly sized in relation to the side-to-side dimensions of the lightwindow 160. The light guide 175 can be any light conductive-typematerials that is adapted to or configured to conduct light from thelight source 139 so as to partially fill the light window 160 in someembodiments and completely fill the light window in some embodiments.For example, light guide 175 can comprise light pipes, silicon, plastic,or any other semi-translucent material that allows the conduction oflight therethrough. As non-limiting example embodiments, a suitablelight guide 175 may be at least partially formed of a transparent ortranslucent material that may include one or more additives adapted toor configured to aid in the desired diffusion, refraction, reflection,and/or attenuation of the light as it passes through the materiallongitudinally, to enhance the desired growing effect. Non-limitingexamples include inclusion of glass and/or pigment or other solidparticles in a polymer. These particles may be used to enhance thediffusion of the light moving substantially down the light pipelongitudinally, the particles reflecting or refracting a portion of thelight in a different direction that allows it to exit the opening in thehousing. The remaining amount of light that continues moving down thelight pipe longitudinally is continuously attenuated by the amountabsorbed or reflected/refracted/diffused in a direction to exit theopening in the housing, thereby creating an effect where the light pipeemits less light in the direction to exit the opening in the housing atthe end of the opening distant from the light source, while allowingmore light to exit the opening at the end closest to the light source.

In some embodiments, the light guide 175 may utilize geometry such asincluded angled surfaces and selectively applied gloss and/or mattefinishes, to assist in changing the direction of the of light in thedesired manner to create a growing effect in the light window 160. It isthe intentional attenuation of the light as it moves down the lightguide 175 longitudinally and the gradient of intensity as it is emittedfrom the close or far end from the light source at a given lightintensity level that can be particularly useful for providing a growingeffect in the light window 160.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the light source 139 ispositioned proximate to the light window 160; however, it is understoodthat the light source may be positioned a further distance from thelight window. In such embodiments, the light guide 175 may be simplyenlarged so as to extend a suitable distance to at least partiallyoverlap with the light source 139 and also cover the light window 160 asdiscussed above. In other embodiments, a plurality of separate lightguides 175 may be utilized. For example, a first light guide may be assubstantially illustrated in FIG. 2 and may extend from the light source139 toward the light window 160 but not covering the light window, and asecond light guide may be as substantially illustrated in FIG. 5 and maypartially or completely cover the light window and extend toward thefirst light guide. The first light guide and the second light guide(i.e., the plurality of light guides 175) may then be in a sufficientrelationship so that light from the light source 139 is transmittedthrough the plurality of light guides to the light window 160 asotherwise described herein.

The aerosol delivery device further includes one or more controlcomponents. As seen in FIG. 2, the control component 141 is positionedon the same printed circuit board (PCB) as the light source 139. It isunderstood, however, that the control component 141 may be on a separatePCB. The control component 141 can be adapted to or configured to causethe light source 139 to emit light at different light intensities sothat the light transmitted through the light guide 175 fills a portionof the light window 160 or substantially completely fills the lightwindow. For example, the control component 141 may be configured todirect power at a variable level from a power source to the light source139 such that light emitted from the light source is transmitted throughthe light guide 175 and fills a quantity of the light window 160, thequantity corresponding to the variable level of power delivered to thelight source. This variable filling of light 145 in the light window 160is illustrated in FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D. By varying the lightintensity of light 145 visible through the light window 165 as emittedthrough the light guide 175, the aerosol delivery device can beconfigured to create a growing light effect that can provide feedback tothe user as to how hard they are drawing on the device, as detected by apressure sensor 143, as well as a power level of the device beingdictated by the draw level reading of the pressure sensor. Thecontroller of such embodiments will read input information from thepressure sensor, and the controller will output the appropriate powerlevel to the heater. The controller 155 of some embodiments thus canoutput a corresponding intensity level to the light source 139 based ona pressure sensor reading in one or more embodiments. The pressuresensor can be configured to detect changes in pressure within the outerhousing across a continuous pressure intensity range and providesignaling to the controller corresponding to the pressure intensity.

Although the variable filling of light 145 in the light window 160 isdiscussed above in relation to showing the draw intensity on the device,it is understood that this is providing an example embodiment for easeof understanding of how the controller can control the light intensityin the light window. The variable filling of light 145 in the lightwindow 160 can be embodied in relation to any function of the device.For example, the variable filling of light 145 in the light window 160can indicate a real-time battery level of a battery in the device suchthat the amount of light filling the light window can decrease as thebattery charge decreases. As a further example, the variable filling oflight 145 can be shown during charging of a battery of the device. Inparticular, the light intensity or the amount of the light window 160filled with light 145 can increase as the battery charges such that afully illuminated light window can be indicative of a fully chargedbattery. Likewise, the controller may be adapted to or configured todirectly measure and/or estimate an amount of e-liquid remaining in acartridge of the device. The controller may then control an amount oflight 145 filling the light window 160 to substantially or approximatelycorrespond to the amount of e-liquid remaining in an attached cartridge(e.g., the light window may be fully illuminated when a new cartridge isattached, and the amount of light 145 shining through the light window160 may decrease as the e-liquid is depleted through use of the device).Even further functions or statuses of the device may be illustratedthrough the variable filling of the light window 160 with light 145.

The position of the light source 139 and the position of the light guide175 can be effective to achieve the light 145 emitted from the lightsource and transmitted through the light guide to grow in a directionfrom one of the first end 164 of the window 160 and the second end 166of the window to the other of the first end of the window and the secondend of the window as power delivered from the power source to the lightsource increases and to recede in reverse of the direction as powerdelivered from the power source to the light source decreases. Thecontrol component 155 thus can be configured to adjust a variable levelof power delivered from a power source to the light source 139 inresponse to signaling received from the pressure sensor 143. Thepressure sensor can comprise any means by which to detect a pressuredifferential on the device upon the user drawing on the device such asmicrophone, barometric pressure senor, or any other method to be able todetect the change in airflow throughout the device. Power level controlcan be achieved by using the feedback from the pressure sensor, amicroprocessor, SOC, or another controller can then adjust the powerlevel being supplied to the heater by adjusting, for example, thevoltage, current, PWM, or total power.

The aerosol delivery device 10 can include a variety of furthercomponents as illustrated in FIG. 4. Similar to as described above, theaerosol delivery device 10 can comprise a control device 100 and acartridge 200 (or cartomizer). The cartridge 200 is engagable with thecontrol device 100 to form an operating aerosol delivery device, and thecartridge is removable therefrom.

The control device can comprise an outer housing 102 that defines acontrol device outer wall 104, a control device distal end 106, and acontrol device proximal end 108. The control device proximal end 108includes an opening 110 that provides access to a control device chamber112 that is defined by a control device inner frame 114. In someembodiments, the control device inner frame 114 may include an aperture115 that can be configured for transferring pressure differentialstherethrough to a sensor 143 positioned within the control device 100when air is drawn into the control device chamber 112. As illustrated,the sensor 143 is positioned on a printed circuit board (PCB).Configurations of a PCB and a pressure sensor, for example, aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2015/0245658 to Worm et al., thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The sensor 143can be positioned anywhere within the control device 100 so as tosubject to airflow and/or a pressure change that can signal a draw onthe device and thus cause the battery 116 to delivery power to theheater 219 in the cartridge 200. Alternatively, in the absence of anairflow sensor, the heater 219 may be activated manually, such as by apush button. Additional representative types of sensing or detectionmechanisms, structure and configuration thereof, components thereof, andgeneral methods of operation thereof, are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty etal.; and PCT WO 2010/003480 to Flick; which are incorporated herein byreference.

The control device 100 further can include a battery 116 positionedwithin the control device outer housing 102. Examples of batteries thatcan be used according to the disclosure are described in U.S. Pat. Pub.No. 2010/0028766 to Peckerar et al., the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference. The control device 100 still furthercan include an external connection element 118. Preferably, the externalconnection element 118 is positioned at the distal end 106 of thecontrol device outer housing 102 and can be formed of a plurality ofelectrical connectors (118 a, 118 b, 118 c). In one or more embodiments,the control device 100 may include a light source 139 that may comprise,for example, one or more light emitting diodes (LED) capable ofproviding one or more colors of lighting. The first light source 139 canbe positioned directly on a printed circuit board (PCB) 141, and the PCBcan include further control components (e.g., a microcontroller and/ormemory components). An LED utilized as a light source as describedherein may, for example, be selected of a design to emit lightsubstantially upward from the plane of the PCB. Alternatively, oradditionally, a suitable LED may include reflector elements adapted toor configured to emit light in a substantially different direction, suchas parallel to the plane of the PCB, or at a desired angle that providesthe desired result. As illustrated, the sensor 143 and the externalconnection element 118 are likewise directly attached to the PCB 141 orotherwise electrically connected to the PCB. The control device furthercan include electrical pins 120 positioned in the chamber 112 forforming an electrical connection with the cartridge 100 upon insertionof the cartridge into the chamber. As illustrated, the electrical pins120 are positioned proximate a bottom portion of the chamber 112 andparticularly may extend through a bottom wall 114 a of the inner frame114, which frame defines the boundaries of the chamber 112. One or moremechanical connectors 121 may also be present in the chamber 112, andparticularly can be positioned in the inner frame 114, such as in thebottom wall 114 a thereof. For example, mechanical connectors 121 can bemagnetic elements (e.g., magnets or elements formed of materialconfigured for forming a magnetic connection with a further magnet).Alternatively, the mechanical connectors 121 may be positioned in a sidewall 114 b of the inner frame 114 and thus may be configure forestablishing a friction fit with the cartridge 200.

The control device outer housing 102 may be formed of any suitablematerial, such as a metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, or the like.Preferably, the control device inner frame 114 is formed of the samematerial as used to form the first device outer housing 102; however,different materials may be used. Although the control device inner frame114 is illustrated as being a separate element from the control deviceouter housing 102, it is understood that, if desired, the inner framemay be defined by an internal surface of the outer housing and an addedbottom plate (e.g., such that the bottom plate corresponds to theillustrated inner frame bottom wall 114 a, and the internal surface ofthe outer housing corresponds to the illustrated inner frame side wall114 b).

As can be seen from the foregoing, the control device 100 can include anumber of openings that provide opportunity for liquid contaminants toenter the control device outer housing 102. Accordingly, in someembodiments, the present disclosure can provide one or a combination ofcomponents adapted to or configured to reduce or prevent opportunity forliquid contaminants to enter the control device 100. By use of suchcomponent(s), the control device 100 can be adapted to or configured tobe water resistant or waterproof. A control device 100 in particular canbe provided with improved resistance to malfunction by configuring thecontrol device to be resistant to infiltration of water through openingsin the outer housing (e.g., seams where an end cap meets the outerhousing, microperforations, openings for LED indicators, and the like,openings where electrical connectors are accessible, and the like). Inparticular, the presence of the light window 160 can provide asignificant opening in the outer wall 104 of the outer housing 102 ofthe control device 100 that can allow for entry of liquid contaminantsinto the control device.

Example embodiments for achieving water resistance can be envisioned inrelation to the configuration shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments,water-resistance can be imparted by including sealing elements atvarious openings. For example, various measures may be employed tosubstantially prevent entry of liquids through the light window 160formed on the outer wall 104 of the control device 100.

In one or more embodiments, the light guide 175 may be adapted to orconfigured to provide a sealing engagement with the outer wall 104 ofthe control device outer housing 102. For example, as illustrated in theembodiment shown in FIG. 6, a sealing member 177 may be positionedbetween the light guide 175 and the outer wall 104 of the control deviceouter housing 102. The sealing member 177 may be separate from the lightguide 175 and, for example, may be a flexible gasket or similar elementadapted to or configured to provide a substantially liquid resistive(e.g., water resistive) seal around substantially the entire peripheryof the light window 160 (i.e., the sealing member being presentsubstantially completely around the entire periphery of the lightwindow). In some embodiments, the sealing member 177 may be integral tothe light guide 175. Thus, the light guide 175 may be formed so as tointegrally include the sealing member 177 and, as before, the sealingmember may be adapted to or configured to provide a substantially liquidresistive seal around substantially the entire periphery of the lightwindow 160. In such embodiments, the light guide 175 may effectivelyfunction as a seal/light diffuser and can be formed of a translucentelastomeric material such as silicone rubber, which provides both thewaterproof seal as well as the light pipe effect for the LED.

In one or more embodiments, at least one sealing member can be includedin the device in one or a plurality of locations to provide awater-proofing or water-resistant effect. Such sealing member may becomprised of an elastomeric material. In certain embodiments, suchelastomeric material may be combined with and/or adhered to an end capas further described herein. For example, such adhering can be carriedout utilizing an over-molding or insert molding process. Such processmay apply to any one or more sealing members that may be presentaccording to the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the transparent or translucent member 162 (see FIG.2) can be adapted to or configured to function as a seal/light diffuserand can be, for example, a molded elastomeric component such as siliconerubber providing a seal in the light window 160. Such element may not benecessary when other elements are utilized. For example, the use ofmicroperforations as described below may make it possible to forego theuse of the transparent or translucent member 162 as a seal/lightdiffuser. Likewise, in embodiments wherein a selectively permeableventing material such as GORE-TEX® is utilized as a liquid-resistivemember 180 and adhered to the inside surface of the control device 100outer wall 104 in a location completely covering the light window 160,the seal/light diffuser 162 may not be utilized.

Implementation of a liquid-resistive member 180 according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 7, whereinthe liquid resistive member 180 may be substantially in the form of amembrane, sheet, film, or the like that is substantially covering thelight window 160. If desired, the liquid-resistive member 180 may beutilized in other portions of the control device 100 to improve theoverall ability of the control device to resist infiltration by liquids.The liquid resistive member 180 may be, for example a GORE-TEX® membraneor similar material that is substantially water resistive or water-proofwhile also being breathable to allow passage of gases therethrough. Theliquid resistive membrane 180 preferably is substantially permanentlyattached to the outer wall 104 of the control device outer housing 102and, for example, may be glued, welded, or otherwise combined therewith.In some embodiments, the liquid resistive membrane 180 may be suppliedwith pressure sensitive adhesive on one side, with the adhesive in anouter area surrounding an inner area of no adhesive. This membraneachieves both venting and waterproofing to the standard desired. Aseparate light guide may still be required in this case in the locationof the water resistive membrane 180. In this case the light guide neednot be an elastomeric material, but could be a rigid plastic materialmore optimized for the light guide/diffuser function. Likewise, thelight guide in such embodiments may also include particulate additivesor be made from a more translucent polymer. In such cases, this can beeffective to reflect/refract the light in a direction to exit the lightwindow while attenuating the light as it moves down the length so as tocreate a diminishing brightness effect along the length of the slot. Theliquid-resistive membrane 180 preferably can be sufficiently thin andtranslucent so as allow LED light transmission. In this case, theseal/light diffuser may be adapted to or configured to be only a lightdiffuser, which would allow use of optimized materials for lightguide/diffusion, in place of the elastomer.

In some embodiments, a liquid-resistive membrane 180 may be adapted toor configured to function as all of a venting material, awater-resisting material, and a light guide material. For example, atranslucent, selectively permeable material can be adhered to the insidesurface of the control device outer shell 102 in a location completelycovering the light window 160. The liquid-resistive membrane 180 may besupplied with pressure sensitive adhesive on one side as mentionedpreviously. In some embodiments, an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene(ePTFE) material may be used in the liquid-resistive membrane, and suchmaterials are commonly available under the tradename GORE-TEX®. In someembodiments, a microporous polyurethane material may be used in theliquid-resistive membrane, and such materials are commonly availableunder the tradename Dermizax™. In some embodiments, the liquid-resistivemembrane may comprise a multi-layer construction, such as including anouter layer treated with a durable water repellant (DWR), which caninclude a fluoropolymer, and also including an inner layer, which mayinclude an ePTFE material, a microporous material, or other gaspermeable and optional water-resistant material. Preferably, in suchembodiments, the membrane material will exhibit optical properties thatare tailored to properly diffuse the LED light for a desired “growing”effect while retaining the other needed physical properties. Similarly,in some embodiments the liquid-resistive membrane 180 may besignificantly thicker. Instead of being adhered to the inner surface ofthe control device outer housing 102, the significantly thicker materialmay be adapted to or configured to substantially form a seal against theouter wall 104 over the light window 160 by being positioned in physicalcontact with the outer wall. This component thus can provide all threeproperties of light diffusion, waterproofing, and venting.

Returning to FIG. 5, in one or more embodiments, water resistance may beachieved at least in part through use of one or more O-rings 185, whichcan be used to substantially seal one or more sections of the controldevice 100. The O-ring 185 can be formed of an elastomeric material suchas silicone rubber, and can be assembled, for example, in a groove 114 cformed around an outer surface of the inner frame 114. This O-ringprovides an air tight, water tight seal between the inner frame 114 andthe outer wall 104 of the outer housing 102 of the control device 100.

In some embodiments, a sensor membrane/seal 187 can be included and canbe a molded elastomeric (e.g., silicone rubber) component providing aseal between the electrical connectors 120 and the inner frame 114. Thesensor membrane/seal 187 can be formed of a contact seal member 187 aand, optionally, a pressure aperture seal 187 b. The contact seal 187 awill provide sealing around the electrical connectors 120 (e.g., forminga seal between the electrical connectors and the inner frame 114) whilethe pressure aperture seal 187 b will provide sealing around theaperture(s) 115 utilized to allow air flow between the interior of thecontrol device 100 and the interior of the inner frame 114 so pressuredrop may be read when a user draws on a cartridge inserted into theinner frame. The design of this seal will not allow liquids or vapor toreach the pressure sensor and/or other internals of the control device100 by passage around the electrical contact pins. As an alternativeexample alternate embodiment, the sensor/membrane seal may only form aseal around the pressure sensor, in which case additional separatediscrete seals can be incorporated for the cartridge contact pins towaterproof the control device enclosure from those openings. Theseseparate discrete seals may be insert molded or co-molded with the innerframe component of the control device. The pressure sensor 143 likewisemay include a sensor seal 144 that partially surrounds the pressuresensor (see FIG. 4). The sensor seal 144 may be adapted to or configuredto form an air seal around the pressure sensor 143 to improvesensitivity and ensure that the sensor is activated only when an actualpressure drop is caused by a use drawing on a cartridge that is insertedinto the inner frame 114. As also illustrated in FIG. 5, the device mayinclude a haptic motor 191 that may be at least partially surrounded bya rubber boot 193.

As further illustrated in FIG. 9, the sensor seal 144 may be adapted orconfigured to provide an isolated environment for at least the pressuresensor 143 on the PCB 141. In FIG. 9, the PCB 141 is positioned atop thebattery 116 as opposed to being proximate the distal end 106 of thecontrol device outer housing 102. In this example embodiment, a sensorseal 144 can be adapted to or configured to form a seal between thecontrol device inner frame 114 and the PCB 141. This can be achieved, asillustrated, by forming a sensor seal 144 from one or a plurality ofseal supports 146 and a flexible member 147 (e.g., a flexible membrane,diaphragm, or similar component) extending between the seal support(s)and over the pressure sensor. Preferably, the combination of elementsforming the sensor seal 144 substantially completely surrounds andcovers the pressure sensor 143. The seal support(s) 146 may extend fullybetween the PCB 141 and the control device inner frame 114 or mayterminate short of contacting the inner frame. Although the flexiblemember 147 is positioned over the pressure sensor, such configuration isnot limiting. Rather, any one or more components of the sensor seal 144may be formed of such a flexible member. In particular, the sensor seal144 may comprise an enclosure having at least one flexible surface.

Preferably, the sensor seal 144 is adapted to or configured to form anenclosed volume 148 around at least the pressure sensor 143 and,optionally, one or more further elements present on the PCB 141 (e.g., ahaptic sensor, circuitry, or the like). The formation of such anenclosed volume 148 utilizing at least one flexible member can beeffective to allow for movement and/or deflection of the flexible memberin the presence of a pressure differential across the surface. Thispressure differential may be created, for example, by a user's draw onthe device so that a pressure change is transmitted through at least theaperture 115 into the control device outer housing 102. Because of theenclosed volume 148 formed by the sensor seal 144, the deflection of theflexible member 147 is efficiently transmitted to the pressure sensor143 enclosed therein and allows the pressure sensor to detect thepressure differential caused by a user's draw on the device whilemaintaining a protective barrier against water and/or other liquidsand/or aerosol and/or vapor that may be present.

The at least one flexible surface (e.g., flexible member 147) of theenclosure defining a sensor seal 144 may be in the form of asubstantially thin section of elastomeric material that may beintegrated into the sensor seal component. Alternatively, the at leastone flexible surface may comprise such material that is separatelyattached to the sensor seal support(s) 146. The at least one flexiblesurface (e.g., the flexible member 147) may have a thickness of about0.001 mm to about 0.3 mm, about 0.01 mm to about 0.2 mm, or about 0.05mm to about 0.2 mm. In further embodiments, the at least one flexiblesurface may have a thickness of about 0.1 to about 0.3 mm. In someembodiments, the flexible member 147 or other flexible surface presenton the sensor seal 144 may contain one or more geometric features suchas corrugations and/or different areas having different thicknesses toassist or enhance the flexibility and/or increase the amount of movementor deflection of the surface in the presence of a pressure differential.

One or more materials forming a part of the sensor seal 144 may includea material that is adapted to or configured to substantially prevent thepassage of water and/or other liquids and/or aerosol and/or vapor fromoutside of the enclosed volume 148 to inside of the enclosed volume,thereby protecting the components that are present within the enclosedvolume from damage. In some embodiments, one or more materials forming apart of the sensor seal 144 may be formed from a selectively porousmaterial that may be adapted to or configured to allow movement of airinto and out of the enclosed volume 148 while substantially preventingthe passage of water and/or other liquids.

The control device 100 may include an end cap 190 positioned in thedistal end 106 of the control device outer housing 102. In someembodiments, a pin seal 192 can be included to provide a sealingarrangement between the external connection element(s) 118 and thebottom cap 190. The pin seal 192 can be a molded elastomeric componentsuch as silicone rubber. As an alternative example embodiment, the pinseal can be a selectively permeable, flexible material instead of awaterproof elastomer. Examples include thicker versions of knownselectively permeable materials made from polyolefins, polyesters, orTeflon-type materials. In this case, the pin seal would provide bothwaterproofing and venting in the same component.

In some embodiments, the bottom cap 190 may include a bottom cap O-ring194, which can be an elastomeric material such as silicone rubber. Thebottom cap O-ring 194 may be positioned in a groove 195 formed in thebottom cap 190. This O-ring provides a seal between the bottom cap 190and the control device outer housing 102. Optionally the O-ring may beinsert molded or may be combined via co-molded or over-molded processeswith the bottom cap 190. This also may be implemented in relation to oneor both of the O-ring 185 and the pin seal 192. All of these may becombined with the bottom cap 190 as desired using an over-moldingprocess.

In some embodiments, a vent membrane as otherwise described herein canbe inserted/adhered to the bottom cap 190, preferably to an interiorsurface thereof, and can be a selectively permeable material thatprovides permeability for air and vapor but does not allow water to passup to the desired standard. Depending upon further materials beingpresent, such vent membrane may not be required.

In some embodiments, a light window may not be required in order toprovide visible lighting through the control device outer housing 102.As illustrated in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, a portion of the outerwall 104 of the outer housing 102 may be provided with a series ofpenetrations through the outer wall. More particularly, penetration inthe outer wall 104 may comprise a series of micro-perforations 104′. Themicro-perforations 104′ may be adapted to or configured to provide aunique aesthetic effect with light passed through the light guide 175from the light source 139, and the micro-perforations can also provideinherent water resistance to chosen standard. In particular,micro-perforations 104′ can be sized to substantially slow passage ofliquid therethrough such that prolonged contact with liquid would berequired in order for the liquid to pass through the micro-perforationsand into the interior of the control device 100. In some embodiments,the micro-perforations can have an average size (e.g., diameter) ofabout 40 μm to about 200 μm, about 50 μm to about 180 μm, or about 60 μmto about 150 μm. The series of micro-perforations may be positioned overa defined area of the control device outer housing 102, such as an areacovering at least 5 mm², at least 10 mm², or at least 20 mm² (such as inthe range of about 5 mm² to about 50 mm², about 5 mm² to about 40 mm²,or about 5 mm² to about 25 mm²). The micro-perforations 104′ may definea specific shape, such as an oval, a circle, a rectangle (or otherparallelogram), or another geometric shape. In some embodiments, themicro-perforations may define a logo or other unique shape or design inthe control device outer housing 102.

The foregoing disclosure encompasses multiple example embodiments bywhich the control device 100 may be substantially water-resistant orsubstantially water-proof. In particular, the use herein of the term“water-resistant” and/or “waterproof” can be intended to indicate thatthe device is thereby adapted to or configured to meet one or morestandards set forth in one or more International Protection MarkingCode, or IP Code. In certain embodiments, a water-resistant orwaterproof device as described herein can be adapted to or configured tomeet the IP67 requirements, and applicable IP Code requirements forbeing considered water-resistant or waterproof are incorporated hereinby reference.

As seen in FIG. 4, a control device 100 according to the presentdisclosure can be adapted to or configured to be combined with acartridge 200 to provide a functioning aerosol delivery system 10. Acartridge 200 for use in an aerosol delivery device 10 of the presentdisclosure can comprise a tank 201 that is defined by an outer tank wall203 that includes a proximal end 205 and a distal end 207. One or moremating connectors 230 can be present at the distal end 207 of thecartridge 200 and can be configured to form a connection with the one ormore mechanical connectors 121 present in the chamber 112 of the controldevice 100. The mating connectors 230, for example, can be magneticelements (e.g., magnets or elements form of material configured forforming a magnetic connection with a further magnet). Alternatively, themating connectors 230 may be present on one or more sides of the outertank wall 203 and thus may be configured for establishing a friction fitwith the chamber 112 of the control device 100. The cartridge 200 isconfigured to contain a liquid composition for vaporization—i.e., ane-liquid or aerosol precursor composition, which may be configured asotherwise described herein. The tank 201 particularly can include aninner wall 202 that defines a reservoir 204 wherein the e-liquid or thelike may be retained. An aerosol passage 212 can at least partiallysurround the reservoir 204 in a longitudinal direction from the distalend 207 to the proximal end 205 of the tank 201. In other embodiments,however, it is understood that the aerosol passage 212 may extendthrough at least a portion of the reservoir such that the reservoir isconfigured in an annular space between the aerosol passage and the outertank wall 203.

The cartridge 200 further can comprise a mouthpiece 209 that is definedby an outer mouthpiece wall 211 that includes a proximal end 213 with anexit portal 215 and a distal end 217 that is engaging the proximal end205 of the tank 201. Although the mouthpiece 209 is described as being aseparate element from the tank 201, it is understood that the tank wall203 may extend a greater distance so as to form an integral mouthpiece.As such, the mouthpiece may be attached to the tank, or the mouthpiecemay be integrally formed with the tank. The cartridge 200 further caninclude a heater 219 and a liquid transport element 221 that defines afluid connection between the heater and a liquid 223 contained withinthe reservoir 204. The heater 219 and liquid transport element 221 maybe configured as separate elements that are fluidly connected or may beconfigured as a combined element. Moreover, the heater 219 and theliquid transport element 221 may be formed of any construction asotherwise described herein. The cartridge 200 also can include one ormore electrical contacts 225 that are configured to electrically connectthe heater 219 with the battery 116 in the control device 100 throughcontact with the electrical pins 120 when the cartridge is connectedwith the control device.

A liquid transport element 221 can be formed of one or more materialsconfigured for transport of a liquid, such as by capillary action. Aliquid transport element can be formed of, for example, fibrousmaterials (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regeneratedcellulose fabrics, glass fibers), porous ceramics, porous carbon,graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads,capillary tubes, or the like. The liquid transport element thus can beany material that contains an open pore network (i.e., a plurality ofpores that are interconnected so that fluid may flow from one pore toanother in a plurality of direction through the element). As furtherdiscussed herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure canparticularly relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Assuch, fibrous transport elements can be expressly excluded.Alternatively, combinations of fibrous transport elements andnon-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Representative types ofsubstrates, reservoirs or other components for supporting the aerosolprecursor are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Pat.Pub. No. 2014/0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014/0059780 to Davis etal.; and U.S. Pub. No. 2015/0216232 to Bless et al.; which areincorporated herein by reference. Additionally, various wickingmaterials, and the configuration and operation of those wickingmaterials within certain types of electronic cigarettes, are set forthin U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al.; which is incorporated hereinby reference. In some embodiments, a liquid transport element can beformed partially or completely from a porous monolith, such as a porousceramic, a porous glass, or the like. Example monolithic materialssuitable for use according to embodiments of the present disclosure aredescribed, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/988,109,filed Jan. 5, 2016, and US Pat. No. 2014/0123989 to LaMothe, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The porousmonolith can form a substantially solid wick.

Various embodiments of materials configured to produce heat whenelectrical current is applied therethrough may be employed to form theheater 219. As such, the battery 116 or other power source in thecontrol device 100 and/or the control component 141 can be adapted to orconfigured to be connected with an atomizer, which may include a heater.In particular, the control component can be adapted to or configured todirect power at a variable level from the power source to the atomizer(e.g., the heater) in response to signaling received from the pressuresensor. In such manner, the control device can be adapted to orconfigured to provide adjustable lighting from the light source 139based upon the power command received from the control component, whichpower command may correspond directly to the puff intensity on thedevice. For example, PWM, DAC, or any other means may be used to adjustthe brightness of the light source.

In some embodiments, the heater can be a wire coil. Example materialsfrom which the wire coil may be formed include Kanthal (FeCrAl),Nichrome, Molybdenum disilicide (MoSi₂), molybdenum silicide (MoSi),Molybdenum disilicide doped with Aluminum (Mo(Si,Al)₂), titanium,platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphiteand graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). Infurther embodiments, the heater can be formed from conductive inks,boron doped silica, and/or ceramics (e.g., positive or negativetemperature coefficient ceramics). Other types of heaters may also beutilized, such as laser diodes or microheaters. A laser diode can beconfigured to deliver electromagnetic radiation at a specific wavelengthor band of wavelengths that can be tuned for vaporization of the aerosolprecursor composition and/or tuned for heating a liquid transportelement via which the aerosol precursor composition may be provided forvaporization. The laser diode can particularly be positioned so as todeliver the electromagnetic radiation within a chamber, and the chambermay be configured to be radiation-trapping (e.g., a black body or awhite body). Suitable microheaters are described in U.S. Pat. No.8,881,737 to Collett et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.Microheaters, for example, can comprise a substrate (e.g., quartz,silica) with a heater trace thereon (e.g., a resistive element such asAg, Pd, Ti, Pt, Pt/Ti, boron-doped silicon, or other metals or metalalloys), which may be printed or otherwise applied to the substrate. Apassivating layer (e.g., aluminum oxide or silica) may be provided overthe heater trace. The heater in particular may be configured to besubstantially flat. Such heaters are described in U.S. Pat. Pub. No.2016/0345633 to DePiano et al., which is incorporated herein byreference.

Further types of atomizer are also encompassed by the presentdisclosure. For example, in some embodiments, an atomizer may compriseone or more elements adapted to or configured vaporize or aerosolize (orotherwise form a fine, particulate form of) an aerosol precursor liquidwithout necessarily heating the liquid. For example, a piezo element maybe used as a vaporizer in certain embodiments of the present disclosure,and suitable piezo elements are described, for example, in U.S. Pat.Pub. No. 2013/0319404 to Feriani et al. and U.S. Pat. Pub. No.2019/0014819 to Sur, the disclosures of which are incorporate herein byreference.

The outer tank wall 203 can be configured to be at least partiallytransparent or translucent so that the liquid 223 contained therein isvisible externally. As such, the entire outer tank wall 203 can betransparent or translucent. Alternatively, only a single side of theouter tank wall 203 can be transparent or translucent while theremaining portions of the outer tank wall can be substantially opaque.In further embodiments, the outer tank wall 203 can be colored. Theaerosol delivery device 10 can be configured in some embodiments so thatat least a portion of the tank 201 is visible when the cartridge 200 isengaged with the control device 100. Likewise, at least a portion of theinner wall 202 that defines the reservoir 204 can be transparent ortranslucent. In one or more embodiments, the outer wall 104 of thecontrol device 100 can be configured to include a window through whichthe outer tank wall 203 and optionally any liquid 223 present in thetank 201 (or specifically in the reservoir 204) can be visible when thecartridge 200 is engaged with the control device 100. As seen in FIG. 1,a window 135 is configured as a cut-out in the outer wall 104 of thecontrol device 100 that is positioned near the proximal end 108 of thecontrol device. The window 135 preferably is positioned to providevisual access into the chamber 112 of the control device 100. Asillustrated, the cut-out is substantially oval-shaped; however, it isunderstood that any shape is encompassed herein. In some embodiments,the window 135 may be configured as a notch extending from the proximalend 108 of the outer wall 104 of the control device 100 a distancetoward the distal end 106 of the control device. In other embodiments,the window 135 may be configured to not have any open borders and thusmay expressly exclude a notch configuration as noted above. In certainembodiments, a window 135 may be expressly excluded from the controldevice 100. Moreover, the window 135 may be completely open or thewindow may have a transparent member (e.g., glass or plastic) positionedin the opening defined by the window or covering the window on one orboth of the inner surface and outer surface of the outer wall 104 of thecontrol device 100.

The aerosol delivery device 10 most preferably incorporates a controlmechanism for controlling the amount of electric power to the heatgeneration element during draw. Representative types of electroniccomponents, structure and configuration thereof, features thereof, andgeneral methods of operation thereof, are described in U.S. Pat. No.4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,874 to Brooks et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 toFleischhauer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al. and U.S.Pat. No. 8,205,622 to Pan; U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. 2009/0230117 to Fernandoet al., 2014/0060554 to Collet et al., and 2014/0270727 to Ampolini etal.; and U.S. Pub. No. 2015/0257445 to Henry et al.; which areincorporated herein by reference.

In use, when a cartridge 200 is inserted into the chamber 112 of thecontrol device 100, the fit may be such that air is capable of passingbetween the outer surface of the tank wall 203 and the inner surface ofthe inner frame 112 of the control device. Thus, when a user puffs onthe mouthpiece 209 air may pass between the outer surface of the tankwall 203 and the inner surface of the inner frame 112, pass through anair entry 220 in the cartridge 200, mingle with formed vapor near theheater 219, pass through the aerosol passage 212, and ultimately passthrough the exit portal 215. The passage of air as defined above may beeffective to cause pressure drop in the control device 100 that can besensed by the sensor 143 through the aperture 115.

An input element may be included with the aerosol delivery device (andmay replace or supplement an airflow or pressure sensor). The input maybe included to allow a user to control functions of the device and/orfor output of information to a user. Any component or combination ofcomponents may be utilized as an input for controlling the function ofthe control device 100. For example, one or more pushbuttons may be usedas described in U.S. Pub. No. 2015/0245658 to Worm et al., which isincorporated herein by reference. Likewise, a touchscreen may be used asdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/643,626, filed Mar. 10,2015, to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. As afurther example, components adapted for gesture recognition based onspecified movements of the aerosol delivery device may be used as aninput. See U.S. Pub. 2016/0158782 to Henry et al., which is incorporatedherein by reference. In some embodiments, an input may comprise acomputer or computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Inparticular, the aerosol delivery device may be wired to the computer orother device, such as via use of a USB cord or similar protocol. Theaerosol delivery device also may communicate with a computer or otherdevice acting as an input via wireless communication. See, for example,the systems and methods for controlling a device via a read request asdescribed in U.S. Pub. No. 2016/0007561 to Ampolini et al., thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In suchembodiments, an APP or other computer program may be used in connectionwith a computer or other computing device to input control instructionsto the aerosol delivery device, such control instructions including, forexample, the ability to form an aerosol of specific composition bychoosing the nicotine content and/or content of further flavors to beincluded, choosing the total particulate matter (TPM) provided per puff,choosing a specific heating profile to be implemented, choosing amodifiable resistance to drawn, and the like.

Further indicators (e.g., a haptic feedback component, an audio feedbackcomponent, or the like) can be included in addition to or as analternative to the LED. Additional representative types of componentsthat yield visual cues or indicators, such as light emitting diode (LED)components, and the configurations and uses thereof, are described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,766 toNewton and U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,959 to Scatterday; U.S. Pat. Pub. No.2015/0020825 to Galloway et al.; and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2015/0216233 toSears et al.; which are incorporated herein by reference. It isunderstood that not all of the illustrated elements are required. Forexample, an LED may be absent or may be replaced with a differentindicator, such as a vibrating indicator. Likewise, a flow sensor may bereplaced with a manual actuator, such as a push button.

In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure may be directed tokits that provide a variety of components as described herein. Forexample, a kit may comprise a control device with one or morecartridges. A kit may further comprise a control device with one or morecharging components. A kit may further comprise a control device withone or more batteries. A kit may further comprise a control device withone or more cartridges and one or more charging components and/or one ormore batteries. In further implementations, a kit may comprise aplurality of cartridges. A kit may further comprise a plurality ofcartridges and one or more batteries and/or one or more chargingcomponents. In the above implementations, the cartridges or the controldevices may be provided with a heating member inclusive thereto. Theinventive kits may further include a case (or other packaging, carrying,or storage component) that accommodates one or more of the further kitcomponents. The case could be a reusable hard or soft container.Further, the case could be simply a box or other packaging structure.Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come tomind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains havingthe benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions andthe associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that thedisclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosedherein and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to beincluded within the scope of the appended claims. Although specificterms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptivesense only and not for purposes of limitation.

1-27. (canceled)
 28. An aerosol delivery device comprising: an outerhousing comprising at least one wall, the outer housing extendingbetween a proximal end and a distal end; a chamber in the outer housing,the chamber being accessible through an opening in the proximal end ofthe outer housing so as to receive therein a cartridge, and the chamberbeing defined by an inner frame comprising at least a bottom wall; anend cap positioned at the distal end of the outer housing; and at leastone sealing member positioned in the outer housing and arranged tosubstantially prevent passage of a liquid around the at least onesealing member.
 29. The aerosol delivery device of claim 28, wherein theat least one sealing member comprises an O-ring.
 30. The aerosoldelivery device of claim 28, wherein the at least one sealing member ispositioned between the inner frame and the at least one wall of theouter housing.
 31. The aerosol delivery device of claim 30, wherein theinner frame includes a groove formed on an outer surface thereof, andwherein the at least one sealing member is engaging the groove.
 32. Theaerosol delivery device of claim 28, wherein the at least one sealingmember is positioned between the end cap and the at least one wall ofthe outer housing.
 33. The aerosol delivery device of claim 32, whereinthe end cap includes a groove formed on an outer surface thereof, andwherein the at least one sealing member is engaging the groove.
 34. Theaerosol delivery device of claim 28, wherein the at least one sealingmember comprises a contact seal configured to form a seal between thebottom wall and one or more electrical connectors extending through thebottom wall.
 35. The aerosol delivery device of claim 28, wherein the atleast one sealing member comprises a pin seal configured to form a sealbetween the end cap and one or more external connection elementsextending through the end cap.
 36. The aerosol delivery device of claim28, wherein the at least one sealing member comprises a sensor seal thatis substantially surrounding a pressure sensor attached to a printedcircuit board.
 37. The aerosol delivery device of claim 36, wherein thesensor seal includes a flexible member that is configured to deform uponapplication of a pressure differential thereto.
 38. The aerosol deliverydevice of claim 37, wherein the sensor seal is configured to define anenclosed volume around the pressure sensor and transfer the pressuredifferential to the pressure sensor.
 39. The aerosol delivery device ofclaim 28, wherein the outer housing includes a window formed therein,and wherein the at least one sealing member is arranged substantiallyprevent passage of the liquid into the outer housing through the window.40. The aerosol delivery device of claim 39, wherein the window is alight window configured to provide exterior viewing of a lighttherethrough.
 41. The aerosol delivery device of claim 40, wherein theat least one sealing member is effective as a light guide.
 42. Theaerosol delivery device of claim 28, wherein the at least one sealingmember is a selectively permeable venting material.
 43. The aerosoldelivery device of claim 28, wherein the at least one sealing member isconfigured as a membrane, sheet, or film.
 44. The aerosol deliverydevice of claim 28, wherein the at least one sealing member issubstantially permanently attached to the outer wall.
 45. The aerosoldelivery device of claim 28, wherein the at least one sealing member isconfigured as one or both of a venting material and a light guidematerial.